Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Posted on 04/21/2004 2:09:40 PM PDT by blam
Bones Could Be First Royal Corgi
By Ed Carty, PA News
Ninth century bones unearthed by archaeologists may be evidence of the first royal Welsh corgi pet, it emerged today.
Archaeologists from Cardiff University have been analysing bones found at an ancient crannog in the Brecon Beacons to determine if they are the earliest example of the royal breed.
The team, led by Dr Alan Lane with Dr Jacqui Mulville and Research Associate, Adrienne Powell, believe they have found the bone of a corgi-sized dog.
“We have the foreleg of a corgi-sized dog, which, dare we suggest, might be a much favoured ancestral royal companion,” said Dr Mulville, of the School of History and Archaeology.
After studying other animal bones and waste, experts believe the crannog at Llangorse Lake was the royal residence for the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog, dating from around 890AD.
Normally associated with Scotland and Ireland, a crannog is a lake or bog dwelling built on stilts or a man-made island, and the Llangorse Crannog is the first to be discovered in Wales.
“Our analysis of the types of animals eaten, the parts which were eaten and how old they were when they were eaten suggests high status even a kingly diet, which possibly makes the crannog one of Wales’ earliest royal residences.”
The archaeologists are hoping to work with the Welsh Corgi Club, in a bid to test their hypothesis against a more recent corgi skeleton.
“Not surprisingly,” said Dr Mulville, “the Club is rather excited at the prospect of 1200-year-old evidence of the breed’s royal association.”
Sylvia Hughes, Honorary Secretary of the Club, said that club members were very excited with the prospect of an ancient royal link, and that they would be helping with the study.
She said: “What we believe is that the corgi is a very ancient breed but the members I have spoken to are quite excited about it.
Mrs Hughes who has kept corgis for almost 50 years said she always believed the breed had royal links dating back hundreds of years.
She added: “It has been rumoured for some time that there were always royal links, but it was good to hear the news though.”
Tree ring dating of oak planks from the crannog indicate that it was built between 889 and 893AD and that it was indeed a royal residence for Welsh kings.
The site may even have been referred to in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle as being destroyed by a Mercian Army in 916AD.
Artefacts from the site are now on display for the first time at the Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery in Brecon, until September 2004.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Didn't see it. Could be the same dog, don't know.
Ruling our house for three years.
Yes, they're the same dog.
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